Endorsements

“This timely book is replete with just what the grieving heart needs during a cold season: compassionate perspective and practical advice for managing the challenge of the holidays, wrapped in the tissue of personal stories well told. The contributions to these pages remind us that the present is a gift, one to be opened with hope, and warm with remembrance. ”

“As daylight shortens and grievers draw down into the long nights of the soul, this book invites them to ignite a candle of hope against the darkness. In dozens of poignant personal accounts and lessons learned, the bereaved themselves offer inspiration and insight to warm others in the winter of their grief, and beckon them toward new beginnings.”

—Robert A. Neimeyer, Ph.D., Editor of Grief and Bereavement in Contemporary Society

“This book is about more than finding hope. It is about natives teaching the tourists how to survive the pain of the loss of a loved one. Loss is inevitable, but what we do with it is a choice we must each make. If you want to recover and turn the charcoal into a diamond by using the pressure you are experiencing, read on.”

— Bernie Siegel, M.D., bestselling author of 365 Prescriptions for the Soul; Love, Medicine & Miracles; and Buddy’s Candle

“Within the pages of this book are over 100 stories of loss, faith, and courage written by those who have been there. These stories will inspire and move you. They remind us that despite devastating losses, it is possible to find hope again.”

— Senator Gordon H. Smith, President of the National Association of Broadcasters, author of Remembering Garrett: One Family’s Battle with a Child’s Depression

“One hundred eloquent authors remind us of the personal pathways we each take as we journey with loss. Readers will find validation whatever loss they are experiencing and however they are coping with their grief.”

— Kenneth J. Doka, Ph.D., Professor, The College of New Rochelle, and senior Consultant, The Hospice Foundation of America

“Losing a child is like being hit by a freight train. Only when people in grief realize that they are in physical, as well as emotional, shock, can healing occur, and this book can be the next step in the process.”

— David Morrell, New York Times award-winning author of First Blood, the novel in which Rambo was created, and Fireflies

“In this very readable book, the contributors in short vignettes share their own journeys. They are our best teachers. How to cope becomes real in each of their stories, as they find new ways to live and to find a place for their sadness in their changed lives.”

— Phyllis R. Silverman, Ph.D., co-author of A Parent’s Guide to Raising Grieving Children: Rebuilding Your Life after the Death of a Loved One, and Resident Scholar, Women’s Studies Research Center, Brandeis University

“Most stories of loss and grief have a tendency to dwell within both, with little or no focus on looking for a way out. Not so with the stories contained in this anthology. Within them are insights for recovering joy. A remarkable collection I recommend to those who are grieving and are ready to move on.”

— Stan Goldberg, Ph.D., author of the international award-winning book, Lessons for the Living: Stories of Forgiveness, Gratitude and Courage at the End of Life, and the upcoming Leaning into Sharp Points: How Caregivers Can Ease Their Loved Ones Transitions at the End of Life

“We heal through our communities and this book brings together a true community of people who openly and unselfishly share their most difficult journey in order help others find their way. Each beautiful story is a lesson in the miraculous ways that profound grief can very unexpectedly bring us to a place of peace, love and hope. Hopefully it will bring you there too.”

— Cori Bussolari, Psy.D., Associate Professor and Coordinator of Marriage and Family Therapy Program, University of San Francisco

“Open to Hope: Inspirational Stories of Healing After Loss is a tapestry of interwoven stories of loss and healing that illustrates the uniqueness of the grieving process. The rich stories of love and loss, lessons learned, and insights gained offer something for everyone who has opened their heart and inevitably experienced grief and loss. A truly moving book.”

— Kelly Taber Chasse, Ph.D., Senior Clinical Social Worker, Bradley Hospital/Bradley School, East Providence, Rhode Island

“The variety of stories and perspectives in this book offers a foothold for those on grief’s journey. Every reader is certain to find something that resonates and echoes their own sorrow and their own hope for healing.”

— Katherine Supiano, L.C.S.W., F.T., Director, Caring Connections: A Hope and Comfort in Grief Program, University of Utah, College of Nursing

“What makes this book a unique and important read is its humanity. Drs. Gloria and Heidi have put together a valuable book that is easy to read, yet powerful in its message. Written about the universal experience of loss, this book demonstrates the resilience of our capacity to grieve, mourn, and be human; a book that gives us hope.”

— Richard Beck, L.C.S.W., B.C.D., C.G.P., F.A.G.P.A., Adjunct Professor at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services, internationally respected expert in psychological trauma

“It cannot be said too many times or in too many ways that even our most profound losses are survivable. In this encouraging compendium of individual experiences of grief the mourners share their unique ability to endure and ultimately transform their loss into a changed, but positive, meaningful and even joyful life. We are all informed by their wisdom.”

— Grace Christ, Ph.D, MSW, Professor, Columbia University School of Social Work, Author of Healing Children's Grief and co-author of FDNY Crisis Counseling

“How can we reach through the anguish of grief and embrace a life that once more has meaning and joy? There is no single answer to this question. Instead, there are a hundred answers, written in the lives and words of those who have loved and lost, and learned to live again. This book is a compendium of their wisdom.”

— Robert A. Neimeyer, Ph.D, Professor of psychology at University of Memphis and author of 25 books, including; The Art of Longing and Grief and Bereavement in Contemporary Society: Bridging Research and Practice.